Albumworks has been a key player in the personalised print industry since its launch in 2006. For the past 18 years, the company has evolved through technological advancements and strategic business decisions, with Taopix playing a crucial role in its journey.
As a long-standing customer, since 2010, Albumworks’ story showcases how Taopix’s innovation, support, and partnership have helped drive success and even inspired the creation of a second business, ZenSmart.
The shift to Taopix
In 2009, Albumworks faced a critical transition. Their previous software provider, Albumprinter (now Albelli), had shifted its strategic focus, leaving Albumworks searching for a new long-term partner. It was during this time that they discovered Taopix through a distributor. Despite the risks involved in changing platforms after four years of customer conditioning, the switch to Taopix proved to be a success—so much so that Albumworks saw growth during the transition period.
“Taopix was a natural fit for our vision of the marketplace,” says Andrew Smith, Founder of Albumworks. “At the time, there weren’t many viable alternatives, and Taopix’s mature and capable desktop editor stood out as the ideal solution.”
Long-term partnership with Taopix
Since 2010, Albumworks has remained a loyal Taopix customer. This enduring relationship is built on two key factors: technology and trust.
- Multi-Platform Capability: Taopix’s ability to support Windows, Mac, and Online platforms has been a defining advantage, helping Albumworks cater to a diverse customer base.
- A Supportive and Accessible Team: Over the years, Albumworks has valued Taopix’s willingness to engage in open discussions. “We haven’t always agreed on product strategy, but the team’s responsiveness and accessibility—whether it’s Alex, Leon, Stu, or David—have made all the difference,” says Smith.
The birth of ZenSmart
As Albumworks grew, they found themselves managing a complex operation—manufacturing both for their brand and multiple high-profile retailers via a white-label solution. With a broad product range, varying SLAs, and increasing demand, the challenge of maintaining efficiency and profitability became apparent.
The need for total automation in manufacturing—from order processing to queuing, batching, and printing all the way to dispatch—led to the creation of a high capability internal automation platform. Albumworks then in 2020 took the big next step and established a new software business called ZenSmart. Today the workflow automation platform has expanded to integrate with numerous order sources, automates production workflows from digital print to apparel, merchandise to signage and provides seamless factory management. What started as a solution for Albumworks’ internal challenges has become a powerful platform benefiting the wider print on demand industry.
Measurable success
Albumworks’ partnership with Taopix has contributed to significant business milestones:
- Over 150,000 families have used their platform to create photobooks.
- More than 50 million pages of memories have been designed and printed.
- A consistent and successful strategy in the mid-to-high market segment has helped Albumworks maintain a strong competitive position.
“Taopix has been the engine bringing to life the memories of thousands of families,” says Smith. “We like to say we’re in the business of making people cry – those heartfelt moments captured in print have led to a lot of tears being shed.” – Andrew Smith
The future of Albumworks
Looking ahead, Albumworks is focused on innovation. The biggest challenges in photobook creation remain the selection of images and initial layout design—barriers that AI tools are now poised to overcome. With the potential for higher repeat order rates, Smith envisions another wave of double-digit growth on the horizon.
Albumworks’ journey with Taopix is a testament to the power of innovation and strong partnerships. Taopix’s commitment to technological excellence and unwavering support has helped Albumworks thrive in a competitive industry while also inspiring new business ventures. As both companies continue to evolve, the future holds exciting possibilities for continued success.
To learn how to automate your print efficiently, check out ZenSmart here.
Get in touch with Taopix to begin your venture into the world of personalised print, or to upgrade from your current software provider for better and longer term results.